Catholic Mass “Cheat Sheet” for New Musicians

I grew up in a Methodist church where the only song we sang unannounced was the Doxology. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Then I started playing at Catholic Mass, where there are so many songs that musicians know when to start simply based on the words said by the priest. It was so nerve-wracking starting out and I made so many mistakes. I definitely know the Mass so much better than I used to, but kind of wish I had had a “cheat sheet” to refer back to when I was starting. Continue reading “Catholic Mass “Cheat Sheet” for New Musicians”

Too Slow, Too Fast: 8 Things to Remember as a Guest Musician at a Catholic Mass

I love going to different churches and contributing to Mass by playing piano. Each church has their own way of doing things and as a guest musician you have to do your best to follow their traditions. But playing at Mass as a guest is always just a bit more complicated than it seems. Let me explain some of the things that musicians have to keep in mind while they are playing. Continue reading “Too Slow, Too Fast: 8 Things to Remember as a Guest Musician at a Catholic Mass”